Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Hughie
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
December 18, 1942

Johnny Goodwin

Looking back over thirty years Winton Rovers followers see young boy early in his teens trotting on to Winton Park wearing the Rovers colours. Around the hand-rail the general opinion was "He's far too young," but before the game was many minutes old it was generally agreed that a "star' had been discovered and that "star" was Johnny Goodwin. His small feet (size three in boots) did tricks with the ball that had everyone talking, and the power behind his shots was a nightmare to goalkeepers. This Ardrossan born son of a Bailie claimed the headlines in all the papers, and senior clubs from Scotland and England kept hovering around for his signature.

Kilmarnock as the successful club. After a time at Rugby Park, he joined Barrow, where he had the papers once again signing his praises. After the 1914-18 war Johnny again signed for Winton Rovers and was a member of that great forward line Keenan, Goodwin, Longmuir, McAsh and Gordon. Although a lot of water had passed beneath the bridge since he first played for Rovers, still here he was with his dazzling feet tricking all the opponents and scoring goals every game. He was a junior internationalist. Johnny has been and still is foreman engineer at Ardrossan Harbour, but he seldom witnesses any games now.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
October 6, 1944

Tommy Jarvie

Goalkeepers generally are the most noted members of any team and that applied to Tommy Jarvie, who played with several Ayrshire clubs including Winton Rovers, Kilbirnie Ladeside and a term as a senior in Wales and Stirling. He belongs to Ardrossan and as a 'keeper had height, weight and the ability. The Jarvie live was well known to all, and apart from being a good 'keeper was also a smart outside-left. He took part in many exciting games and when he was in the mood he could put up the "shutters" which he did on many occasions.

For about ten years Tommy was one of the best in the shire and at that time there were many fine 'keepers. Like most players he slipped out of the game quietly and in fact doesn't seem to take much interest in the sport now at all. Just one of the forgotten players that left his glory on the playing field to live a quiet life.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
September 29, 1944

James Wilson

When the subject of goal scoring with the head is brought up most people give full marks to Jimmy McGrory, but there was an Irvine player named Cully Wilson, who was scoring goals every game with the head before McGrory was born. Cully Wilson was a household name and even though he resided in Irvine his name was known throughout Ayrshire. A centre-forward who was a master with the head, had speed and possessed a fine shot, also his football ability was a treat to watch, for he could round an opponent in few moves and his body swerves were delightful to watch.

That is James or Cully Wilson. In these far-off days when the off-side rule was three players in front of you, one had to rely more on his ability and football was much more clever. Like his brother George or Corky, they claimed the high-????ts of Ayrshire football, and whether with Meadow or Vics. they just had the crowd with them all the time. Both left a standard of football which the younger lads could follow with pride,
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
June 23, 1944

Johnny Thomson

Good sportsmen are not judged by their ability, but by shear sportsmanship, and a good sportsman is always a gentleman, Johnny Thomson came to Ardrossan over twenty years ago from Tarbolton; he was a keen harrier and a runner who could always give a good account of himself.

For years he took a keen interest in this good sport and, win or lose, he was always the same Johnny Thomson. He carried this good sportsmanship with him on to the golf course where he is also noted for his personality and good sportsmanship. He doesn't take golf seriously although he has proved on several occasions when in the mood to be the best of them but he takes up sport mainly as a pastime and for relaxation.

Johnny is a civil servant and one of the jolly type who makes life well worth living due to his happy disposition and hale fellow well met attitude when off duty. He belongs to Tarbolton, the village where Burns worked as a ploughman and where the poet first learned the secrets of freemasonry.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
June 9, 1944

Tom Anderson

Few players have been before the public eye as much as Tam Anderson, right back of Kilwinning Rangers and Ardeer Recreation. But it was while with Rangers he was at his best and came most into the limelight. Big and strong he was a favourite with the Buffs supporters, but all their opponents had a fear for this big hefty back. While he was robust, still he was never afraid to travel to any ground and he could take it.

He was called all kinds of names by spectators, but he kept going and the more they shouted at him the harder he seemed to play. On many occasions he was blamed for being rough, when it was his height and weight that seemed to brush his opponents aside. However, he was a faithful player and one that always pulled his weight home or away and many a time he stood between Buffs and defeat. No doubt he had failings but not as many as some would make you believe, and it must go to his credit that he went out to win all the time and every time he went on the park he was an inspiration to his fellow players.
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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
June 28, 1944

Hamilton McInally

No sportsman caused more printer's ink to be used than Hamilton McInally, the amateur golfing champion. Irvine like Troon and Prestwick know a good golfer and have had the pleasure of seeing many of their townies rise to fame. But Hamilton McInally was different somehow, for he was not only consistent and cool but he had the confidence and ability and when he won the Amateur Championship a few years back, Irvine were toasting their hero in every corner, but the champion never altered, he took it as all in the game, and he had not the time others had to improve his play, but he carried on, being an ordinary working chap, he knew how to get over any difficulties that came his way, and that being so victory was all the more appreciated.

He is never upset when made a fuss of, and that no doubt made him all the more popular by all classes. His mastery over his golf clubs brought many comments and as a workman, he proved that although the other fellow had money and lots of time to improve his play, the working man can with that toughness and understanding gain the will to overcome all the handicaps of life for he proved that by bringing honour to himself and the town of Irvine.

Another article on Hamilton McInally was posted earlier and shows his link to Ardeer Golf Club. See Here.
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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
May 18, 1945

Jimmy O'Donnell

When Saltcoats Victoria were out to place the best team possible on the field, they had to scout around not only Ayrshire, but the West of Scotland to find the suitable players. None proved more worthy of that search than Jimmy O'Donnell, a half-back who became one of the favourites of old Victoria Park.

We may be looking back 20 years and more, but to many it seems like yesterday, for that player was not only wholehearted, but a club man and a player who could be relied on to give of his best when most required. His drawing of the defence and his carpet passes up the wing or the middle did untold damage to the opponents. His timing of a ball caused many comments, for timing is a gift few possess, and he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.

A tough type of player and one who played his part to bring Vics. right into the lime-light by bringing the Scottish Junior Cup to Saltcoats for the first and only time in history. Saltcoats sporting public will always remember the ability of O'Donnell.
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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
May 4, 1945

Tom Rennie

Dreghorn has been a happy hunting ground for seniors, for the officials there could always pick them up good and young. When Tom Rennie joined the "Horn" few thought he would lead his club to victory in the Ayrshire Cup. This fine tall centre-half had all the tricks of a more experienced player.

At that time Dreghorn not only won the cup, but broke all records for attendance at such games But Tom was not only a fine centre-half, he wins a fine general, and his generalship had more to do with his club's victory than he got credit for. His command of the ball with head or feet was smart, and he didn't clear any old how, for every ball was placed to advantage.

His sweeping passes to bring his wingers into operation was often commented on, and although it is now over twenty years since he played for Dreghorn, his name still lives in the village as it is as fresh to-day as it was then.
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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
April 6, 1945

John McCulloch

Away back over forty years ago when Winton Rovers were a young junior club they strived hard to draw the crowds, also they made every effort to get the best players in the district. When they fixed up John MCulloch they added greatly to their attack-as an inside-right he was an asset.

He was the type of player whose body hangs forward while in control of the ball and this made it more difficult to dispossess him. His smart short moves were a treat for at that time the offside rule was different and ball control was an art, which is now unknown.

"Tran" as he was best known to football followers was a big favourite at Winton Park, due no doubt to his clean play and sharp shooting. Rather like Johnny Goodwin in style, but much taller than Johnny, but nevertheless as big a favourite as was Goodwin. "Tran" was a good player and a fine chap.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
November 17, 1944

Tommy Anderson

Away back in 1911-12 when Saltcoats Vics. were instituted they signed an Ardrossan lad, Tommy Anderson, as a winger. He carried on with the Vics. that season till they won the Ayrshire Cup in their first time of asking and they held the wonderful record of scoring 22 goals for none against

Curious to note he played for other clubs, not once did he play for the 'Winton Rovers. His speed and tricks brought him the unusual name of the "Rev. T. A." and why we don't know. On one occasion while playing for the railway team he was taken to the station on a barrow whether the excitement was too much for him or not, we don't know.

But he was one of the first, if not the first in Ardrossan to win an Ayrshire medal. His football career was brought to a close when he joined the army in August, 1914. Went through the rough fighting till he reached Hill 60 where he received a nasty wound on the head which got him his ticket.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
October 27, 1944

Jimmy McWhinnie

Football trainers generally become the best known officials of any club and in Ayrshire no family followed this calling with greater success than the McWhinnie family who belong to Stevenston.

Johnny, Jimmy, Davy and Alex., all clever with their hands. The late Johnny McWhinnie was with old Ardeer Thistle, then went to Kilmarnock where he was ever so popular with players and officials. As a masseur he was known throughout the West of Scotland. After his death, Jimmy took over who also served with Ardeer Thistle, Stevenston United and assisted Johnny with Kilmarnock and the massage business. Jimmy still carries on and his ability does not require any comments.

He has steered Kilmarnock seniors through many dull times and has also brought many honours to Killie through the fitness of the players and his word of advice at the right time and place. The McWhinnie family have played a big part in the sports of Ayrshire for the past forty years.
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Re: Local Sportsmen's Gallery

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
November 5, 1943

Andrew Jamieson

All golfers know Andrew Jamieson - for years he held an official position with the Ardeer Golf Club. Apart from being a keen golfer himself his position brought him in touch with all classes.

Since accepting the position of general secretary of Ardeer Recreation Club he has to be an all-round sportsman with a certain amount of knowledge of every game. His position brings him all kinds of complaints and he has always to remain the sportsman which he is known to be.

He conducts the affairs of thousands and such a position makes enemies as well as friends, but nevertheless, A. T. Jamieson carries on and in doing so retains that sporting good fellowship which makes him by a large majority the most popular man in the town.

In such a position as secretary of thousands all sorts of troubles await you every day, but we learn that Andrew while carrying out his duties according to the rules laid down by his masters, and which some times doesn't please many, he still remains that sportsman and organiser and at the same time at his post with that personality which is known to thousands.
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